Amicably End Sales Representative And Distribution Relationship In 21 Countries

As a result of a change in Bombardier's strategic approach to aircraft sales, Bombardier and TAG Aeronautics have amicably elected to end their contractual agreements. This concludes nearly 40 years in which TAG Aeronautics served as Bombardier's exclusive sales representative and distributor for new Challenger and Global series aircraft in 21 Middle Eastern and North African countries. With this strategic shift, Bombardier will be positioned to assume all sales activities previously held by TAG Aeronautics.

"We are adapting our business model to capitalize on growing market opportunities around the world and will focus on direct interaction with our customers," said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. "I would like to thank TAG Aeronautics for decades of loyal services, and for successfully helping open a key region for Bombardier aircraft."

"We appreciate Bombardier's new philosophy and sales approach in response to changing market conditions," said Mansour Ojjeh, CEO, TAG Group Limited. "I am pleased to say that reaching a mutually beneficial agreement for both parties was uncomplicated thanks to the shared respect engendered by our longstanding and very productive relationship. The TAG Group remains a Bombardier Business Aircraft customer and believes without question that Bombardier has the best product line in the business."

Over the past few decades, TAG Aeronautics and Bombardier have worked together to develop and expand the business aircraft market in the Middle East and North Africa. In the last five years, approximately one third of overall business jet deliveries in the region have been Bombardier aircraft.

"Bombardier is firmly committed to the Middle East and Africa, and our in-region sales team is well equipped to ensure all customers find the ideal business jet for their needs," said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "We are confident that private aviation in the region will continue to grow."

(Source: Bombardier news release)

FMI: www.bombardier.com